Clinical Evaluation of Hand-used ProTaper Instruments in Preparation of Curved Root Canals

Objective To evaluate the effect of hand-used ProTaper instruments in preparation of curved root canals. Methods Forty teeth with curved root cananls were randomly divided into 2 groups of 20 specimens each. One group was prepared by hand-used ProTaper with crown-down technique. The control group was instrumented by K-files with step-back technique. The canals were obturated using lateral condensation technique in both groups. The efficiency of preparation and obturation of root canals was analyzed with radiographs pre-, during and post- instrumentation. Results No transportation, apical blockage, ledge and instrument fractures were occurred with hand-used ProTaper instruments and the original curvature was maintained well. The operating time was shorter and post-treatment pain seldom occurred in hand-used ProTaper group. Conclusion Hand-used ProTaper instruments were proved to be efficient and time-saving in preparing curved root canals.